The Wedding Guide
Planning tips, photo friendly advice and real word tricks from a photographer who has seen it all for couples getting married in the Wimmera and Western Victoria.
Your stress - less wedding day guide.
Planning a wedding day is exciting, and also a little overwhelming. Between Pinterest boards, well meaning opinions, and endless to do lists, it’s easy to forget what the day is about - celebrating your love with your favourite people.
After photographing weddings across all kinds of timelines, venues and weather, I’ve put together my bets planning tips to help you enjoy the process and get the most out of your wedding day, especially when it comes to photos.
1. Build your timeline around real moments. Not just the traditions.
One of the biggest factors affecting your wedding photos, and on the day stress is your timeline.
Wedding Timeline Tips:
Be ready at least an hour before you have to leave.
Think about where the sun is for your photos, and what time of day works best at your venue.
Leave buffer times between locations to avoid rushing.
Planning family photos immediately after the ceremony keeps things efficient.
A well planned timeline means a more relaxed moments and less stress for you and your vendors. and guests.
When you book with Gab Ross Photography, timeline planning is included to make sure your day flows and doesn’t feel rushed.
2. Your locations make a difference to your photos
Light is everything in photography and it plays a huge role in how your wedding photos will look.
When choosing locations consider:
Rooms with windows for getting ready
Shaded areas for outdoor ceremonies
Portrait locations close to your venue to save travel time (travel eats on the day coverage time).
Shaded areas for midday portraits
Sunset options for the dreamy golden hour portraits
When you book with Gab Ross Photography, we choose portrait locations that look beautiful, and keep the day running smoothly.
3. Hire wedding vendors you trust
Your wedding vendors don’t just provide services, they help shape your entire day.
An experienced photographer will:
Guide you into natural flattering poses
Anticipate moments before they happen
Manage group photos quickly and calmly
Adjust plans if weather or timing changes
My role as a wedding photographer goes beyond taking photos, I support you throughout the day so you can stay present and enjoy the moment. Tying ties, lacing dresses, pinning veils, sewing broken a dress, cake delivery, transportation for the wedding party, reassurance that you actually do look amazing, I’ve done it all.
4. Plan meaningful moments into your day
Some of the most emotional photos happen when couples slow down, connect and just soak it all in. These moments create genuine emotions and memories that will last far longer than trends.
Consider including:
A first look before the ceremony
Private vows
Time with children or grandparents
A quiet moment together during the reception
We will plan little moments in your timeline to take a breath and take it all in.
5. Think about guest comfort and experience
Happy guests help create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere and that always shows in photos.
Guest experience ideas:
Shade, water, or fans for outdoor ceremonies
Clear signage and directions
A timeline that doesn’t keep people waiting too long
When guests are comfortable, everyone is more present and engaged in your celebration.
6. Leave space for natural moments
Not every part of your wedding day needs to be scheduled to the minute.
Leaving small gaps in your timeline allows for:
Unexpected hugs
Spontaneous laughter
Beautiful candid moments
Sneaking off for sunset photos
Some of the most love photos are the ones you never planned.
7. Choose a wedding photographer you connect with
Flowers wilt, cake gets eaten, dresses get packed away, but your photosa re what you’ll come back to for decades.
Your photographer is with your more than almost anyone else on your wedding day.
When choosing your wedding photographer, look for:
A style that matches your vibe
Experience with real weddings, not just styled shoots
Someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident
My approach is relaxed, natural and connection focused - capturing how your day feels, not just how it looks.
If you’re currently planning your wedding and want photography that captures real emotion, beautiful light and genuine connection, I’d love to hear about your day.
Thinking about your wedding photos?
Gab Ross Photography specialises in relaxed, connection focused wedding photography for couples who want natural, emotion filled images. Gab Ross Photography is based in the Wimmera, covering Horsham, Nhill, Stawell, Dimboola, Minyip, Kaniva, Murota, and Western Victoria.